December Daily 2010 | Creating A Foundation


Hello December Daily 2010.


I know many of you out there are thinking, "how can you even be thinking about Christmas?" I totally get it. Completely. I'm really all about my pumpkins and planning a Halloween party right now. But here's the deal: I also know, from a few years of experience, that planning ahead is really the key to enjoying the process of daily documentation during December.


If this is your first time embarking on the December Daily project or if you'd like a general refresher I recommend checking out my December Daily compilation page for many more details and ideas (and to see how its evolved from year to year with a complete listing of all the posts). You can also check out my past December Daily projects in a portfolio format here: 2008, 2009.


If you're here for round two or three or four, welcome back.


Today is the beginning of a series of posts about creating a December Daily album. The basic idea behind this project is to create an album that will hold your 2010 December stories. My album runs from December 1 through December 25th - some people choose to go through the end of the month but I've found that by the time Christmas hits I'm ready to move on to the next thing.


There are so many different ways to approach this project:



  • Some people make it a game to use what they have on hand (all those years of stocking up on holiday products and then making one layout is paying off). If this is you, your goal over the next week is to get all your stuff in one place.

  • Some people mix old products with new products (this is me).

  • Some people do all digital albums.

  • Some people do a mixture of digital and paper (this is me too).

  • Some people do big albums and some people do really small ones.


Today's post will be an overview of my 2010 album. Next week I'll post step-by-steps for a couple pages, go into more details about the cover options with step-by-step images, and include a couple video tutorials on how to work with the printable elements I'm using in my album.


After next week you won't hear much about this album again until it gets much closer to December. Beginning on the 1st or 2nd of December I'll post my completed page and include information on my process, the story, supplies, etc.


DIGITAL ALBUM: Wondering about a full digital album? I've got a new set of products in the works that should be in the shop next weekend. Look for another post on that coming soon.



APPROACH + PROCESS


Each year when I start thinking about my December Daily album I like to do things a bit different - usually nothing drastic but enough of a change to keep it interesting. This year the biggest change you'll notice is that I've keep all the pages the same size. If you take a look at my past albums (2008 or 2009) you'll see that the pages are a mixture of sizes. This year I decided to keep them all 6 inches x 8 inches.


Another change? I made two different album covers this year: one using the Teresa Collins Bracket Shape Covers and a second one using recycled chipboard. The Teresa Collins Bracket Shape Covers were covered with sticky back canvas, painted, misted, and embossed - I'll show the full step-by-step next week. The second option, the one with the white circles, uses a sheet of specialty paper (working on a source) adhered on top of a piece of recycled chipboard trimmed to 6x8. I'm still not sure which one I'm going to use but I'm leaning towards the white one.


In terms of the process for putting this album together, my biggest suggestion is to break it down into small tasks and tackle one thing at a time. One project is cutting the transparencies to size. One project is pulling out numbers to add to the transparencies. One project is printing + cutting out the hybrid pages. One project is punching holes. Get the idea? Are you seeing why I like to work on this part in advance?




INSIDE PAGES | THE FORMULA


The formula for my 2010 album is very simple: a printed transparent page with a date and/or embellishment + a . Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.


Each and every page is 6 inches x 8 inches.


Here's a look at all the transparent pages laid out on my table:



If you're interested in making one similar to my 2010 book here's the basics of what you'll need:



  • 13, 12x12 transparent sheets (see below for a supply list of the ones I used) that will be cut so you get 2, 6x8 inch pieces from each sheet.

  • My 2010 December Daily 6x8 overlay package from Designer Digitals for the photo and/or journaling pages. The package includes a PDF file for simple printing if you're not familiar with Adobe Photoshop. The PDF file includes days 1 through 31. Look for a video tutorial on working with this package to come next week.

  • A front and back cover.

  • A variety of numbers, holiday papers and embellishments.

  • A willingness to document the month of December and not stress about making it perfect or capturing every last detail.

  • A commitment to enjoying your holiday season and being present with your family and friends. I continue to find that the process of participating in this album actually grounds me to the here & now and helps me be more conscious of how I live my holiday season.



Here's a look at the 2010 December Daily overlays when printed on Bazzill Basics Cream Puff (Scrapbook.com 12x12 | 8.5x11) which is what I used throughout my album. You can also view these foundation images via my portfolio (click on an image and then click the arrows to go forward or backward throughout the portfolio).


You could easily wait to print these out until December and add your journaling right onto the PNG file + print as you go. These could also be placed on top of photos in Photoshop before printing (along with your journaling).


OPTION: One way to adapt this album to your own working style or family stories would be to do all transparencies and skip the printable portion. Your photos could be added in as the additional pages. Or maybe you're more interested in focusing on the words + photos. If that's the case maybe only use the printables and skip the transparent pages. Lots of options. If this is your first time I suggest playing along with me and being open to adapting as you go.



MY CURRENT PLAN WITH THE PRINTABLE PAGES: Above is a look at a sketch of the printable page and a completed page (using a photo from 2009 as a sample). My plan is that those two blocks of space will be used as a home for a photo (or a collage of photos), and/or journaling, and/or pattern paper.


I like that I'm creating a specific foundation for myself that has a bit of structure but will also be flexible when it comes to documenting each day. On some days I envision using that large block of space exclusively for journaling. On those days I might use the small block for a photo that captures the essence of something - a piece of the whole. On other days I might fill the large space with a photo and use the back of the cardstock for my journaling.


NOTE: Two 4x6 inch photos would fit perfectly on the back for those of you that don't print at home and find it easier to use a photo developer to add your photos once a week or at the end of the month.


My goal with these foundation pages was to keep it simple. One or two accents and a number on top of each transparency. There's nothing earth-shattering here. It's a matter of picking out a few things and sticking them down (or stitching them as the case may be) and creating a home for your December content. A couple days don't have numbers (all the printable pages have both the number and the specific day of the week for 2010). Little bits of red machine stitching is the main way I attached elements to the transparencies - staples are always another good option.


You can do this.


Here's a look at the entire foundation:




DAY ONE


Anna Griffin Georgette Holiday Collection Double-Sided Cardstock Pack (inside cover)


Teresa Collins Star Transparency


K&Company Yuletide Chipbox


AE for Technique Tuesday Good Cheer Stamps


Red Stitching




DAY TWO


Art Warehouse Hollyberry Transparency (green is sold out but here's a red one on clearance at scrapbook.com)


Studio Calico Mister Huey Apple Jack Color Mist


Making Memories Number Stickers


Vintage Wallpaper


Shipping Tag




DAY THREE


Fancy Pants Tradition Flocked Transparency


Tim Holtz Silver Numerals: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY FOUR


White Circle Paper


Maya Road Sheer Clocks


Jenni Bowlin Vintage Christmas Chipboard Buttons: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY FIVE


Every Jot & Tittle Red Number Tags


Hambly Chic Circles Transparent Overlay


Ormolu Christmas Tag (circle-punched)



DAY SIX


KI Memories Lace Cardstock Numbers


Hambly Clearly Heavy Overlay




DAY SEVEN


Hambly Grey Doily Decor Overlay: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com


Making Memories Number Stickers


(I think the oval with the tree is from a K&Company chipbox from 2009)




DAY EIGHT


Hamby Red Vintage Plaid (looks like there's no more red, but other colors are available)


AE Christmas Boxes from Designer Digitals


American Crafts Playroom Thickers (in green here)


Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint Dash of Red: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY NINE


8.5x11 Baseball Card Page Protectors cut to fit


Bazzill Basics Star Chips (painted red)


Making Memories Metal Rimmed Tags


Tim Holtz Silver Numerals: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com


Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint Dash of Red: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY TEN


Teresa Collins Noel Collection Christmas Transparency


The Girls Paperie Eclectic Chipboard Alphabet: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY ELEVEN


Teresa Collins Red Number Transparency


Maya Road Grosgrain Pleat Ribbon: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY TWELVE


Maya Road Scroll Frames Chipboard


AE for Technique Tuesday Good Cheer Stamps


Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint Dash of Red: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com


My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Union Square Moments Seamstress Paper: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com


Hambly Clearly Heavy Overlay




DAY THIRTEEN


Teresa Collins Star Transparency


AE Christmas Boxes from Designer Digitals


Jenni Bowlin Red Kindergarten Alphabet Rub Ons


Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paint Dash of Red: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY FOURTEEN


Art Warehouse Hollyberry Transparency (green is sold out but here's a red one on clearance at scrapbook.com)


Elise Joy Wish Tag


The Girls Paperie Eclectic Chipboard Alphabet: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com




DAY FIFTEEN


Fancy Pants Tradition Flocked Transparency


Jenni Bowlin Mini Bingo Cards Christmas




DAY SIXTEEN


Hambly Clearly Heavy Overlay


Tim Holtz Silver Numerals: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com


Picture It Pageframe Large 8 inch Acrylic Star




DAY SEVENTEEN


Hambly Chic Circles Transparent Overlay


The Girls Paperie Christmas Ribbon Trims




DAY EIGHTEEN


White Circle Paper


Every Jot & Tittle Red Number Tags




DAY NINETEEN


KI Memories Lace Cardstock Numbers


Hambly Clearly Heavy Overlay




DAY TWENTY


Jenni Bowlin Christmas Printed Tickets


Hamby Red Vintage Plaid (looks like there's no more red, but other colors are available)


Jenni Bowlin Red Kindergarten Alphabet Rub Ons




DAY TWENTY-ONE


8.5x11 Baseball Card Page Protectors cut to fit


The Girls Paperie Tinsel & Twig Christmas Sticker Pad


AE Christmas Boxes from Designer Digitals (available on Saturday)




DAY TWENTY-TWO


Teresa Collins Noel Collection Christmas Transparency


Studio Calico Mister Huey Apple Jack Color Mist


Making Memories Number Stickers


Shipping Tag




DAY TWENTY-THREE


Teresa Collins Red Number Transparency


K&Company Handmade Collection Fabric Art Lace Frames




DAY TWENTY-FOUR


Hambly Grey Doily Decor Overlay: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com


Elle's Studio Vintage Christmas Flash Cards


Every Jot & Tittle Red Number Tags




DAY TWENTY-FIVE


Hambly Brown Brocade Overlay


Making Memories Metal Rimmed Canvas Tag


The Girls Paperie Eclectic Chipboard Alphabet: Two Peas | Scrapbook.com



INSIDE BACK COVER


Anna Griffin Georgette Holiday Collection Double-Sided Cardstock Pack


And there you have it.


You can do this.


Start now. Start simple. One task at a time.


Whenever possible, don't make it more complicated than it needs to be. Adapt it for your family, your lifestyle, your situation. The real joy comes from getting yourself to a point where you are ready to record the little moments in December - those little bits of life that happen so fast but that build on each other year after year. This album is a place for those memories.


Don't worry if you don't do something holiday related everyday in December. The stories and photos you include don't have to be holiday related - all of my previous albums contain non-holiday entries that document simple daily stories. I include what I feel like including from one day to the next.


Again, be sure to check out previous December Daily project posts on the compilation page. Feel free to include your questions here in the comments section.


Again, you can do this.


SHARE THE LOVE | DECEMBER DAILY BANNER, FLICKR, TWITTER


You're also invited to share and communicate with others about this project. Here's some links to get you started:


FLICKR GROUP: 2010 December Daily (view past galleries here: 2008, 2009)


TWITTER HASHTAG: #decdaily


BANNER: Last year there were some requests for a blog banner. Feel free to add this to your site (the code is listed below):


BLOG TITLE



DAILY SPONSORSHIP


This year I'm offering daily sponsorship spots throughout the month of December on December Daily posts. Please email sponsors@aliedwards.com for more information.

For a full list of December Daily posts go here.





Elle’s Studio has just released their new designs for the holiday season. They have the perfect tags for your December Daily projects, advent calendars, scrapbook pages and more!

Related Posts

Sign in or sign up to comment.

260 thoughts

  1. Jen D says…
    10/09/2010

    All I have to say is WOW! Every year you do something that totally sparks me in a different way - amazing. This will be year #3 doing the project with you, and I've been waiting to see your take before I really dig in (since your ideas usually prompt me to want to change or do something differently!) Love it. Thank you!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Nita says…
    10/09/2010

    Ok, I love this and I really want to do the Dec. Daily this year. Each year, I admire yours and wish I had done it. With the digital pages, is it as simple as printing them out on a regular printer and then cutting them to size? I have PSE, but I'm a total newbie with that and don't want to get overwhelmed. Thanks for allowing us to enjoy this project with you!

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      10/10/2010

      Yes Nita - the package includes a PDF that makes it really simple - just open, print on cardstock, and trim - or you can open up each individual PNG file (if you want to re-color them you will need to use the PNG files).

  3. debbie mcintyre says…
    10/09/2010

    Can't wait to start!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Andrea says…
    10/09/2010

    Hey Ali,
    Are your journal pages going to fit to a 6×8 size book?

    Thank you.

    (I meant to post this here. I was getting inspiration from your old books, oops)

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      10/10/2010

      All the pages this year are 6x8. I will either handwrite my journaling onto the printed page or I will print out journaling and add it to the pages I have already printed.

  5. Erika says…
    10/09/2010

    I really enjoy your SIMPLICITY this year! I like the clean look - how did you do the 7 gypsies knob on the front of the album? Thanks for the inspiration Ali!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Melissa says…
    10/09/2010

    I love this idea! Wanted to try it for the first time this year after watching you do it in years past. Figured I would finally have the guts and the patience this year. So very sad that everything you are using is sold out already (mainly talking about the transparent overlays). Am trying to find other transparent overlays, but can't find anything out there in Christmas colors. Boo! :o(

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      10/10/2010

      Hi Melissa - my guess is that they will be back in stock soon (a benefit of getting the info out early). There's lots of overlays available here: http://www.qbaroo.com/HamblyScreenPrints/categories.cfm?type=0&categoryoid=2 (I love all the silver, gold, brown and cream - all of which go nice with red + green accents).

  7. Carolyn HP says…
    10/09/2010

    Wow Ali, loving your 2010 album! Hoping it's as much fun as last year, I never finished last year's album, so my goal for 2010 is to finish the album and get all my holidays documented this year. Thanks for always being so inspiring to your blog readers, hoping to get to the creative process very shortly!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Advent 2010 | ScrappaNu says…
    10/10/2010

    [...] Mycket inspiration finns hos Ali Edwards, hon gör något hon kallar December Daily. [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Back To Paper » December Daily 2010 Template says…
    10/10/2010

    [...] Daily 2010 Template After reading Ali Edward’s post regarding her December Daily book, I was totally inspired to get a head start on my own. I had commented about how so many stories [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. maggie says…
    10/10/2010

    wow Ali,
    this is great, every year I start with good intention, got my book made everything, around day 4-5, I fall off the band wagon, not to be returned.
    This year I want to finish it, but how do you stay motivated when life interferes?
    Thank you,
    Maggie

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Melanie Hughes says…
    10/10/2010

    Last year was my first year doing Dec daily and I loved it. Money was really tight last Christmas and there was nothing spare for new stash for it really, so... I challenged myself to use all the random bits of Christmas stash that I had. I did treat myself to a couple of acrylic pages and some glitter glue but otherwise used what I had on hand. I was worried that it was going to look a real mess as nothing really matched but it looks amazing and I adore it, and so do all my friends that have seen it, in fact just about everyone at my crop is going do one this year. I guess what I'm saying, is that if you only have random Christmas bits and can't afford to buy for this specific project - you'll still end up with an awesome album.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      10/10/2010

      Right on Melanie!

  12. Monika Wright says…
    10/10/2010

    Even though I loved playing with all my paper and embellishments last year, for my 2010 DD I had thought of going hybrid after seeing some very lovely examples last year in the Flickr group. When I saw your DD, I knew I had found my answer. I was going to design a digital template myself, but why bother now when you've done the design work for me. I totally encourage people to get the design part done early. It makes for the day-to-day in December more fun and of the moment. And for days you can't journal right then, be sure to write something down. You won't remember the next day and you'll kick yourself. I have thought many times that I won't ever forget the uber cute comment from the kids...but I do.

    I still love playing with paper and see that with your template, I can still add a few random pages or even whole sheets of pp attached to the backs of the journaling. Off to purchase your set now, since it's on sale at Designer Digitals. I'm going to try it this way. I can always alter the design along the way.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Jessica D. says…
    10/10/2010

    I know it's the start of the season when you put up your first December Daily post! I already have my foundation mostly made because circumstances made it where I did not complete mine last year (I caught a bacterial infection in my digestive and respiratory systems right after Thanksgiving and was put on bed rest for the majority of the month - not really conducive environment for making my December Daily!) I'm going to go through my book Halloween weekend and make any changes that I need/want to make. I'm so excited to be doing this process again. Even though this will be my third year following the project, it will be the first time I actually complete one on my own! Thanks for all of your inspiration and I can't wait to see your Halloween project!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Kris says…
    10/10/2010

    I'm a huge fan of the 6x8 size. I did a digital album this summer in this size and I love it! Love the designer digitals overlays, you rock as always Ali :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Jessica B says…
    10/10/2010

    Hi Ali! I love this project and I've been working on mine all weekend. I have a quick question for you though...

    I bought the 6X8 overlays from Designer Digitals and when I print them out, they are slightly larger than my transparencies. They print out at 6 1/4 X 8 1/2. Is this intended? Or is it a problem with my printer? It looks weird to have the journaling pages larger than my transparencies and I'm a little stressed it doesn't fit just right. Is it just me? Help! :)

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      10/10/2010

      Hi Jessica - I'm planning to do a short tutorial on this in the next couple of days. Most likely in the PDF printing set up you need to make sure it is set to "shrink to printable area" and not "fit to printable area." Mine is defaulted to stretch it out to fill the page rather than keep it set at the correct proportions. Hope that helps.

  16. Chanda says…
    10/10/2010

    Ok Ali I have admire your 25 Days December and I love it. Last year I purchased items for this year so I am READY. I have also posted the link on my blog... www.designplusme.blogspot.com Cant wait to get started...

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Elli D. says…
    10/10/2010

    Wow, thanks for the detailed guide/description. The books are fabulous, every single one of them. Btw, how can you NOT be thinking about Christmas? I mean, it's October already and time is flying by so fast that it will be here before we know it.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Molly says…
    10/10/2010

    LOVE it! love it! just returned home from a weekend off the grid (no mobile access) and couldn't wait to stop in here. I'm all in for year 3!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Collette says…
    10/10/2010

    I'm already trying to get my Christmas cards organised because I know good intentions don't cut it when the time goes so quickly and then before you know it it's crazy busy, so I'm on board with you about planning ahead. It's a good thing and makes it more enjoyable rather than stressful.
    Thanks for the link for the 'remains of the day' course. (Totaly loving it!) I signed up and have almost completed my first scrap/journal. So excited! It was just what I needed and I'm thinking I'm going to use the same idea/technique for a December Daily book. Thanks so much Ali. x

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Angie Blom says…
    10/10/2010

    I love the size of your album.. I am going to do a more simple style this year.. I love all the transparencies..
    I am hoping to get some to start preparing my album soon.Your Album is looking so wonderful.. but I also know with time it might change up a bit.. gotta love the process.. I can't wait for this to start.. I look forward to this one project over the month of December. Thanks for the early info!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Michele H. says…
    10/10/2010

    amazing ali! i've been looking forward to this all year. i'm committed to making another book this year and have all ready collected some stuff to put my album together. love the 6x8 size (not to big and not to small).

    question: will you be posting your 2007 DD in your portfolio? the photos don't show up in each of the posts unless i click on them; which i'm more than happy to do:)

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      10/10/2010

      Hi Michele - it's on my list to update those images + create a portfolio for them.

  22. Amanda S. says…
    10/10/2010

    I'm definitely playing along this year and I've had the Teresa Collins Noel collection sitting on my desk for it for a couple weeks now!! Can't wait!! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Kaly says…
    10/11/2010

    I love your layout this year! It looks very simple and do-able! And I absolutely love all the transparent pages! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Sheri says…
    10/11/2010

    Hi Ali,
    Beautiful album. How do you punch the holes in the Teresa Collin's album?

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Ali says…
      10/11/2010

      With a crop-a-dile...a really great tool for punching through all kinds of materials: http://store.scrapbook.com/wr-70907-7.html

  25. Get Ready for the 2010 December Daily · Scrapbooking @ CraftGossip says…
    10/11/2010

    [...] Edwards has posted the first in the December Daily Series for 2010. In her post Creating a Foundation,  she talks about how she prepared her album for this year. Click here to go her blog. You may [...]

    Reply 0 Replies

Sign in or sign up to comment.